Recurring infection.

Hi. About 5 years ago, I developed this infection in my lip. My lip started to swell and it felt really tingly and itchy. It's kind of hard to describe the sensation really but it was just tender and sore. Anyway, after a day or so, I started to get little pustules around the affected area. Soon the lip swelling  would get so bad that I coud barely talk and certainly couldn't eat, and the pustule spread all the way up my face. Ever since this happened, I would get a recurring infection about every 2 months or so. About 2 years ago, the recurring infection suddenlt stopped and i though (or hoped) it would be gone forever. However, yesterday the feeling came back and my lip stated to swell. I don't know what to do! I've been to numerous doctors over the years and none have been able to give me an accurate diagnosis or course of treatment. One doctor said impetigo, another said oral herpes. I need some advice quick because I can't cope with it swelling up again right now, I have A Level exams all this week. Please help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Unexplained swelling of the lip without any predisposing disease is frequently caused by allergies. An allergic reaction can occur suddenly, even in a person with no previous history of allergy.This swelling of the lip is called angioedema.It is the rapid swelling (edema) of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa and submucosal tissues.Symptoms include swelling of any body part which appears suddenly and comes and goes.

Diagnosis is by clinical examination and complete blood tests,electrolytes and renal function tests.Traetment is by antihistaminics and steroids.

Other possibilities of swelling of lips may be acromegaly,Crohn’s disease,cardiac or renal disorders,herpes and myxedema.It is very difficult to make a diagnosis without examination.So pls get yourself examined by a physician and the diagnosis confirmed.

I hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.